Bumbunga Lake

Lake Bumbunga, a salt lake situated in the Mid North region of South Australia, lies between the town of Lochiel and the farming area of Bumbunga, approximately a one hour and forty-minute drive from Adelaide. Travel east from Lake Bumbunga, and you'll reach the renowned Clare Valley wine region, known for its wineries and accommodations.

The lake is located on the traditional lands of the Kaurna people, and the name "Bumbunga" is believed to originate from the Kaurna word "parnpangka," meaning "rain water lake." This lake is known to change colour, transitioning from pink to white to blue due to a specific type of algae. Lake Bumbunga's distinctive pink shores attract a diverse crowd, from amateur photographers to luxury fashion brands.

A fiberglass sculpture known as the "Loch-Eel monster," a playful reference to Lochiel town, can be seen in the center of the lake. The monster's backstory dates back to the late 1880s when bullock teams were common in the area. Legend has it that bullocks crossing the lake were "spooked by some sort of monster, went to the wrong part of the lake… and gradually got sucked under and went down." Originally constructed from old tires in the 1980's, the Loch-Eel monster was dubbed the Loch Ness monster's cousin by locals.

Salt mining has been a significant activity at Lake Bumbunga since 1881, providing employment and economic benefits to the region. The town of Lochiel, situated on the lake's western bank, developed alongside the salt industry, with its prosperity closely linked to salt harvesting.